糖心视频 Mānoa students are helping shape the future of one of the busiest and most visible areas on campus. The 糖心视频 Campus Design Lab invited students to share their ideas for reimagining Legacy Path during Welina Mānoa: Kick-Off! on September 10. The effort is part of the initial research for a project focused on transforming Legacy Path into a more welcoming and active gathering space while also exploring the future of nearby Andrews Amphitheater.

Legacy Path is a major pedestrian route connecting Campus Center with Dole Street and the main parking structure. The area also hosts campus fairs, pregame activities and other events, and serves as a location for food trucks during the school day.

At the Campus Design Lab booth, students used 3D models of the area to experiment with different configurations, moving miniature food trucks, benches and other features to show how they would like to use the space.

“I like how they’re trying to improve the walking and commuting experience,” said Hao Shen Zheng, a 糖心视频 Mānoa senior majoring in computer engineering. “I think it’s really important since students actually have to experience these things. They should have a say in these types of designs.”

Zheng said the hands-on approach made it easier to envision the possibilities.

“I like the models they have at the booth. You can put food trucks or benches where you would like them to be in a specific area. It helps you visualize it.”

The Campus Design Lab hopes to gather input from several hundred students over the course of the fall 2026 semester, with the official project kickoff planned for October.

“Our goal is to hear from as many students as possible and better understand how they use the space and what they want it to become,” said Brian Strawn, 糖心视频 Mānoa planning and spatial experience director. “We’re already hearing that students want a range of places to gather—from larger, more active public spaces to smaller, more informal places to sit, meet and spend time along Legacy Path.”

Strawn said student input is especially important because the way students experience campus varies widely.

“There isn’t a single student experience of campus,” Strawn said. “Some students commute, some live on campus and others live nearby. Those different patterns shape how students move through campus, where they spend time and what they need from the spaces in between. Engaging students directly helps us understand those differences and design a campus that better supports their daily lives.”

Engaging students in the design process has already proven successful across 糖心视频 Mānoa. Student input from previous workshops helped shape several major projects, including the ongoing McCarthy Mall renovation and the recently completed Aloha Towers renovation.

Nearly 100 new University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 students participated in the first ever runout across the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex field before the 糖心视频 football team took on New Mexico State Saturday, September 12. The runout is a long-standing tradition at several colleges and universities around the country to mark the new students鈥� journey as part of the campus.

“I think running on the field and getting to see all the fans was really fun and the cheering and how excited everyone was, it really just pumped up the game,” said new student Tiana Pardini.

“The whole atmosphere of the tunnel with everyone cheering,” fellow new student, Gabrial Guardado, said. “I thought it was all just a great experience.”

The students helped to fire up the crowd before the opening kickoff and helped propel the ‘Bows to their first win of the 2026 season.

“We are looking at ways to have our students find experiences on campus that help them to create memories and community as part of their college journey,” said Interim Vice Provost for Student Success Kap膩 Oliveira. “The energy and excitement of this moment is something we hope the students will carry on with them through their time at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.&谤诲辩耻辞;

Each participant received a free T-shirt to commemorate the experience.

“Watching 糖心视频 students run across the field before the football game was a memorable sight,” said Athletics Director Matt Elliott. “The energy, excitement, and school spirit they brought with them made it a moment of celebration for the community. All students are a part of Our Team, Hawaiʻi鈥檚 team!”

The 糖心视频 Athletics Marketing team invited new students to sign up during the Fall New Student Orientation that was organized by the Office of Vice Provost for Student Success.

The runout gave new students a chance to connect with the 糖心视频 community and experience the excitement of supporting Rainbow Warrior football directly from the field. The students then got to watch the Rainbow Warriors defeat the Lobos 29–19.

A new Deaf History Museum at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 is bringing a century of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Deaf history, culture and community into the heart of

The exhibit, “I ʻike ʻia, I lohe ʻia: Nā Moʻolelo o ke Kaiāulu Kuli o Hawaiʻi (To Be Seen, To Be Heard: The Stories of Hawaiʻi‘s Deaf Community),” features artifacts, stories and contributions from Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It opened on September 14 in recognition of Hawaiian History Month and Deaf Awareness Month.

“Deaf history is Hawaiʻi history. This museum keeps our stories alive so future generations can see where we came from, know who we are, and proudly say this is my history,” said Ed Chevy, a Deaf historian and curator of the museum.

Deaf history is Hawaiʻi history

The Deaf community came together for a grand opening ceremony at , filled with sign language musical performances and a keynote by Yvette I. Ibarra-Keohuloa, a Deaf descendant of Hawaiian high-ranking chiefs Kameʻeiamoku and Kamanawa, trusted advisors to King Kamehameha I.

Ibarra-Keohuloa shared her moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy), moʻolelo (stories) and manaʻo (perspectives).

“Deaf people have always been a part of Hawaiʻi—our families, our communities, our culture and our stories,” Ibarra-Keohuloa said. “Our experiences may not always have been recognized, but that does not mean we are not here.”

The celebration also marked the first Deaf show presented on Kennedy Theatre鈥檚 main stage.

Deaf community members and advocates express Deaf history and culture have often been overlooked, leaving many people in Hawaiʻi with limited exposure to the community鈥檚 language, experiences and traditions. The museum aims to help close that gap by making those stories more visible and accessible to a broader audience.

Growing student interest

Interest in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture has been growing at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

This fall marked the launch of a new path for students, a standalone .

Interest in ASL courses at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 has surged in recent years. Enrollment has grown by 1,400% in six years, from 19 students in spring 2019 to 265 in fall 2025. Demand continues to exceed capacity, with long waitlists for courses.

A 2024 survey also found that 94% of ASL students are interested in pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in ASL-English interpreting.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 ASL instructor Gisella Tomita came up with the idea to bring the museum to Hamilton Library, placing it in the heart of the university in order to create space for greater awareness, connection and inclusion 鈥� inspiring students to carry those values into their future professions.

“Once, our languages were silenced. Today, we celebrate them openly. Both of my parents are Deaf, and they told me how sign language was discouraged in their school. Hawaiʻi also has a history of suppressing 鈥�ō濒别濒辞 Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) in schools and public life,” said Tomita who is one of three Deaf instructors of ASL at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. “There鈥檚 something special about connecting with other Deaf and hearing Hawaiians and locals. We share culture, history, and experiences that connect us to Hawaiʻi. Deafness may be invisible, but when we sign, we find each other. When hearing people are willing to learn and connect, we unite our two worlds.”

More than 2,000 haumāna (students), faculty and staff gathered at the on September 10 for , an annual event welcoming the campus community to a new academic year.

Originally scheduled for the first day of the fall semester, the event was postponed because of Tropical Storm Moke.

The afternoon event featured a resource fair spanning the Campus Center Courtyard, Kuykendall Lawn and Legacy Path. Approximately 60 campus departments, programs and organizations participated, sharing information about resources, services, activities and opportunities available to haumāna.

“It’s wonderful after the summer break to see the students back on campus, see the energy, see the young people we bring here to educate, having fun at the Warrior Recreation Center, having fun at Campus Center and going around our facilities,” said 糖心视频 Mānoa Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos. “It is a great, great vibe and I hope it gets better and better as we get into the semester.”

Haumāna explored resources ranging from academics and student support services to campus activities and employment opportunities. The event also featured food from Mānoa Dining Services and local food trucks, along with music, interactive activities, giveaways and prizes.

“The most valuable thing about this event is the students getting involved and the students knowing what resources are available to them, knowing what support they have on campus,” said Natasha Maʻafala, a junior major. “Even though college and the campus seem super scary, super big, they’re not going through this alone and so many others are here looking for those resources too.”

Welina Mānoa is one of the first major student activities of the academic year, helping students discover resources, services and opportunities available across the 糖心视频 Mānoa campus.

Hawaiʻi Island teens transformed fabric into handmade garments while building sewing, fashion and photography skills at the Hawaiʻi 4-H Fashion Camp at Honokaʻa High School. Organized by the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (CTAHR), the camp brought them together with fashion professionals to keep traditional craftsmanship and practical skills alive.

Sewing is a life skill, but it is being lost at a rapid rate among younger generations. Through 4-H鈥檚 “learn by doing” approach, students learned to operate sewing machines, select and cut fabric, style outfits and photograph their finished creations.

Led by Honokaʻa High and Intermediate School teacher Lisa Anderson, volunteers from 贬辞苍辞办补ʻ补鈥檚 Sew Fun program helped youth learn how to use a sewing machine, pinning, cutting, and pressing as they brought their outfits to life.

One of the camp鈥檚 most important roles is highlighting the cultural importance of textile arts in Hawaiʻi. “It’s a great intergenerational program,” said CTAHR Extension Agent Marielle Hampton, emphasizing that island sewing traditions, such as Hawaiian quilt making, carry deep historical significance that risks fading if not passed down.

By completing their projects, the students who finished this year’s camp walked away with custom apparel, cost-saving practical abilities, and a renewed connection to an island tradition.

Mentorship and community connections

The camp connected young people with higher education and industry professionals:

• Professors Andrew Reilly and Minako McCarthy, faculty members in CTAHR鈥檚 Fashion Design and Merchandising program, shared insights on fashion design and academic pathways.
• Local fashion entrepreneur Mariah Toledo-Tavares of spoke about creative business opportunities
• A photoshoot led by local photographer Sarah Anderson captured students modeling their handmade garments.

The camp was funded through a Weinberg grant from the Hawaiʻi 4-H Foundation. Hawaiʻi 4-H is a CTAHR program serving youth across the state.

Thirty five participants, consisting of students from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, and public and private school teachers from across Hawaiʻi, completed a 1-month summer study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain.

The program focused on the historical evolution and contemporary challenges facing education related to immigration, socio-economic inequality, gentrification, ethnic and language diversity, religious intolerance, climate change and gender discrimination. Participants earned six credits for the program.

The courses and field experiences established parallels and points of connection between Hawaiʻi and the region where Barcelona is located (Catalonia). Both regions have experienced colonization and are characterized by unique cultural and language traditions.

The program was under the direction of (COE) (EDEF) Professor Donald Brent Edwards Jr. Four EDEF doctoral students also contributed to program leadership: Davide Samulski, Akie Kozuka, Patricia Grillet and James Parker.

Exploration, reflection, conversation

“This program drew on a range of resources and approaches, from guest speakers to documentaries, museum visits, walking tours, group presentations, small group discussion, and full-day excursions within and outside of Barcelona,” said Edwards. “The focus on education was solidified through multiple visits to schools of different types. From museums and historic squares to guided walking tours, every step was meaningful!”

Participants explored approximately 30 historic sites, including Barcelona鈥檚 Gothic Quarter, the Gracia neighborhood, the Catalonia National Art Museum, Montserrat and more. For their assignments, students produced analytic reflections, oral presentations and lesson plans that brought the academic, personal and experiential dimensions of the program into conversation.

“I gained a much deeper understanding of what being a global citizen looks like with community at the heart of it,” said Zoe Zepeda, a 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 undergraduate student majoring in English literature.

Ittai Wong, a Hawaiʻi teacher and EDEF PhD student, added, “As I learned to read Barcelona, I began to reread Hawaiʻi, finding connections across education, language, culture, identity and place. Professionally, I return inspired to interrogate not only what I teach, but how I teach: to center ʻike (knowledge), moʻolelo (stories), pilina (connection), and the whole selves of my students.”

In July, architecture students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa presented their final projects to the Maui Economic Recovery Commission at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, marking the culmination of a semester-long effort to envision Lahaina鈥檚 recovery from the 2023 wildfires.

Through physical models and conceptual designs, 40 graduate and undergraduate students from the capstone studios explored new approaches to community gathering, long-term resilience and economic revitalization.

, led by faculty members Yasushi Ishida, Ho Kyung Lee and Felipe Igualt, brought together students to develop speculative architectural proposals related to the , one of the priority initiatives identified in the .

Assistant Professor Felipe Igualt and graduate student Rebecca Hiller shared the work and gathered feedback from participants on priorities and longer-term aspirations for Lahaina.

“Working with a real-world collaborator gives students real conditions and constraints to respond to while still allowing them to imagine what might be possible,” said Ishida. “That balance is incredibly valuable for design education.”

Learning from Lahaina

In March, 35 students and three faculty members traveled to Lahaina to study two potential sites for the project—Kai Hele Ku and the former Outlets of Maui. Students documented existing conditions through observation, photography and sketching.

The group also met with members of the , including Sne Patel, Tambara Garrick and Kawika Freitas, at Lahainaluna High School. Faculty shared examples of work underway in the studio, followed by an open discussion between students and community stakeholders about the sites, rebuilding efforts and Lahaina’s future.

“Lahaina鈥檚 recovery will take collaboration, creativity and a willingness to look at challenges in new ways. I was really impressed by how the 糖心视频 architecture students incorporated Lahaina鈥檚 history and culture into their concepts while also thinking about resilience and designing for our changing climate,” said Patel, president of the Lahaina Town Action Committee.

Studio proposals, community conversation

Following the visit, students continued developing their proposals throughout the semester. Two graduate students developed individual projects, while undergraduate students worked collaboratively to produce 14 additional proposals, resulting in 16 projects exploring different approaches to architecture, landscape, public space and infrastructure.

The brought some of those proposals back to Maui, where physical models helped participants engage with the projects and discuss ideas for Lahaina’s future.

“The project should be understood as a connected public landscape in which architecture, ecology, access, mobility and climate adaptation work together,” said Igualt.

“As students, we are less beholden to strict budgets and logistical details, and thus have the freedom to consider bolder and more creative solutions,” Hiller said.

The studio was conducted in collaboration with the . The Maui field visit and related activities were supported by the Hawaiʻi Building Industry Foundation’s , , and the School of Architecture.

A sensory-friendly initiative that began at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 has expanded to all 10 糖心视频 campuses, giving students, faculty and staff across the system access to tools designed to reduce stress, improve focus and support overall well-being.

The effort is led by the 糖心视频 project in partnership with campus offices statewide. Two years ago, CAMP+U collaborated with the to open 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s first sensory room, providing a quiet space where members of the campus community can decompress, regulate emotions and recharge from the demands of daily campus life.

Spreading support

Building on that success, CAMP+U has partnered with every 糖心视频 campus to provide a portable sensory kit that can be used to create sensory rooms, integrated sensory spaces or pop-up experiences.

The portable kits contain more than a dozen sensory tools鈥攊ncluding a northern lights and moon projector, sunset and jellyfish lamps, fidget toys, space tent, cosmic cocoon (bean bag chair) and more鈥攖hat can be easily transported and assembled, offering campuses a low-cost, flexible way to create calming environments wherever they are needed. The kits also contain a resource hub with educational materials.

Each campus has adapted the initiative to meet its local needs, with collaborations involving disability services, student basic needs, counseling, libraries and other student support offices. Many campuses introduced the program through sensory pop-up events during high-stress times such as midterms, finals and campus study sessions.

“College can be overwhelming for anyone, and sometimes students simply need a place where they can pause, reset and return to class feeling ready to learn,” said Holly Manaseri, Center on Disability Studies faculty member and project director. “Creating spaces that acknowledge those needs sends a powerful message that every student belongs and deserves the opportunity to succeed.”

The expansion comes as colleges and universities nationwide increasingly adopt sensory-informed learning environments to support academic success and well-being. Among 糖心视频鈥檚 peer institutions, more than half offer sensory-friendly spaces, while nearly one-quarter have dedicated sensory rooms. Sensory spaces were also offered at every 2026 FIFAWorld Cup venue, and similar spaces are now found in airports, public libraries and shopping centers to help people take a break from overwhelming sights and sounds.

Feedback shows positive impact

An ongoing research study is evaluating the impact of the 糖心视频 initiative. According to Manca Sustarsic, the project鈥檚 evaluator, “Feedback from more than 500 visitors across the university system shows visitors reported feeling calmer, more relaxed and happier after using the sensory spaces. Preliminary findings also indicate significant reductions in stress, anxiety, frustration and feeling overwhelmed, while many students reported improved focus, greater motivation and a stronger sense of belonging on campus.”

CAMP+U鈥攕upported by and led by Manaseri, Sustarsic and Renz Louis T. Montano鈥攆ocuses on supporting student success throughout the college experience, with particular attention to students with learning differences and disabilities.

For sensory room contacts at each 糖心视频 campus,

The Center on Disability Studies is housed in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

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University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna Martha Carrell was drawn to ideas and to people who explored them. She enjoyed conversations that moved easily between subjects, from philosophy to everyday habits, and she made space for others to join in. In classrooms, living rooms or public media, she brought people together, asking questions and letting discussion unfold.

“She was fierce, complex, determined and smart,” said Diane Smith, a close friend and trustee of Carrell鈥檚 estate. “For many years we were members of a small discussion group that met monthly and picked a different topic every month, such as quantum physics, diets, solar energy, or the nature of faith. What a great ride that was.”

Smith met Carrell in retirement. Their group鈥檚 conversations could be lively and contentious, but they were always educational. This approach carried through Carrell鈥檚 work. Born and raised in Honolulu, she earned her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in speech at 糖心视频 Mānoa. Her career spanned public broadcasting, education and communications, and she worked for PBS stations and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Carrell produced in Hawaiʻi and, unsatisfied with the final scene, stepped in to perform a hula herself. She also taught speech and coached debate, bringing the same focus on clarity and exchange into the classroom. In later years, this instinct found a home at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at a university in Las Vegas. Her classes became some of the most popular in the program.

Supporting future students

Her lifelong connection to communication now continues through an estate gift establishing the at 糖心视频 Mānoa. The fund supports students in the in the School of Communication and Information, within the 糖心视频 Mānoa , with a preference for Hawaiʻi residents with financial need.

“In an era where digital noise often replaces meaningful connection, teaching human communication skills to our students is more essential than ever for individual success and a healthier society,” said Hye-ryeon Lee, former 糖心视频 Mānoa communicology department chair. “Martha鈥檚 life clearly illustrates this point, and we are tremendously grateful for her vision and generosity. This scholarship will provide our communicology students with financial support so that they can fully focus on their academic and professional growth.”

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When the online (ES) 213 class, (contemporary issues of race, class and gender in popular culture) meets in fall 2026, 40 students will log in. But they won鈥檛 share the same classroom or even the same continent. Half will be University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (CSS) students in Honolulu, while the other students will join from Meiji Gakuin University (MGU) in Tokyo.

The collaboration is an example of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), a growing global educational model in which CSS is an established leader. COIL links classrooms from higher education institutions in different countries to facilitate cross-cultural learning.

糖心视频 Mānoa students who complete three COIL courses—ES 101 (Introduction to Ethnic Studies), ES 213 (Race, Class, Gender and Popular Culture) and ES 422 (Mixed Race Identities)—earn an Identities and Global Citizenship micro-credential. The college鈥檚 COIL program received for innovative use of educational technology to create impactful educational experiences.

The ES 213 online class is taught by Roderick Labrador, CSS director of student academic services. It is strategically timed to take place at 2:15 p.m. Mondays in Hawaiʻi, which corresponds to 19 hours ahead on Tuesday mornings in Japan. It gives students in both countries a means to interact and explore ES, a subject not commonly taught in Japan.

“COIL is called virtual student mobility in Japan,” said Labrador, “because it鈥檚 basically studying abroad without traveling.”

New perspectives, lasting lessons

Two 糖心视频 Mānoa students can attest to the effect of COIL on their future studies. CSS alumni Mamaylia Soungie and William “Liam” Burke were impacted by the lessons learned in spring 2026, when they enrolled in ES 422, “Mixed Race Identities,” taught by Associate Professor Ethan Caldwell.

“What I enjoyed most were the smaller discussion groups made up of both 糖心视频 Mānoa and MGU students,” said Soungie, who earned her BA in ES and , and is now preparing for the graduate record exam. “During the first couple of classes, many Japanese students seemed a bit nervous about differences in language proficiency during classroom discussions. But as we progressed through the course, they became much more comfortable.”

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The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 has reached the highest undergraduate enrollment in its history, with 525 students registered for fall 2026. As of the first day of classes of the semester, enrollment had increased by 106 students from 419 in fall 2025—a 25.3% increase in a single year.

The record enrollment represents a major milestone in a growth strategy adopted by the department in November 2022. The department鈥檚 strategic plan established a five-year goal of more than 450 undergraduate students and a 10-year goal of more than 600. With 525 students enrolled for fall 2026, the department has already exceeded the five-year goal.

“We are excited to welcome so many students to the educational experiences in our program,” said Joseph J. Brown, chair of the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Department of Mechanical Engineering. “We are working to help our faculty, courses, laboratories, shops and student-support resources step up to that demand.”

Growing national interest in mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering growth at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 comes amid evidence of rising national interest in the field. National Student Clearinghouse data shows that undergraduate mechanical engineering enrollment at four-year institutions increased approximately 11.4% in fall 2025.

Mechanical engineers design, build and maintain physical systems that keep the world working, contributing to fields that include aerospace, robotics, advanced manufacturing, energy, transportation and biomedical technologies.

In Hawaiʻi, mechanical engineering contributes to power generation and storage, water and wastewater management, ports and shipyard operations, aircraft and spacecraft maintenance and design, medical devices, and other manufacturing technologies.

“Mechanical engineering has always been a highly adaptable discipline, and I think that this is becoming even more important,” Brown said. “As artificial intelligence, computation, and automation advance, the world needs people who can bridge the digital world and the physical world. Mechanical engineers use models, algorithms, and data to create machines, materials, structures, devices and systems that work safely and effectively.”

Investing to support demand

The department has been expanding its educational capacity as enrollment has grown. Since January 2023, mechanical engineering has hired six new faculty members, adding expertise in computational modeling and data science, experimental aerospace engineering, robotics, materials and manufacturing. The department has also expanded teaching assistant support, increased capacity in existing courses, increased summer course offerings and invested in expanding ME 213, its hands-on sophomore engineering design course.

A vibrant new mural inside the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Bookstore is welcoming students with a colorful tribute to the campus community and its rich botanical landscape.

Created by 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 alumna and local artist Rachel Radona, the mural draws inspiration from the hundreds of plant species found across campus. More than a collection of flowers and trees, the artwork reflects the stories, cultures and experiences that make up the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 community.

“Art is about stories and moʻolelo,” Radona said. “Every student is different, comes from different backgrounds and comes from different cultures. Every plant and student has a different story to share.”

Inspired by campus

Before putting paint on the wall, Radona spent time exploring the university’s plant map and learning about the species that grow throughout campus. The mural features plants including the silk floss flower, k艒奴 and ʻulu trees,
each chosen for its connection to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and the stories they represent.

One of Radona’s favorite elements is the 驶ulu, which she said symbolizes community resilience through its place in Hawaiian moʻolelo. She also incorporated the kōū flower, a plant traditionally associated with welcoming guests, to help create an inviting atmosphere for everyone who enters the bookstore.

Throughout the mural, bold colors and flowing shapes reflect Radona’s artistic style. She hopes the finished piece encourages students to pause, notice the plants around them and discover something new about the campus.

Art that brings people together

Although painting the mural was rewarding, Radona said the interactions with students, faculty, staff and families became the most memorable part of the project.

“That’s what art is all about,” Radona said. “Whether it’s music, whether dancing or it’s painting, you’re supposed to share with one another.”

A recent 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 graduate, Radona said returning to campus to create the mural felt especially meaningful. She hopes the artwork reflects the welcoming spirit of the university while giving students another place where they can see themselves represented.

She also believes public art plays an important role on a college campus by giving people another way to express themselves and connect with others.

“It’s so important,” Radona said. “We are all trying to make our way, find our way in college. Art is mine. But I know so many wonderful people here who found their voice in so many other things.”

As students return for the fall semester, the mural will serve as a lasting reminder that every member of the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 community has a story to tell and that those stories help shape the campus experience.

Hawaiʻi high school students spent part of their summer exploring global politics, national security and potential careers through the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (AHI-SP).

Offered through the in the , the three-week program serves local high school students and incoming college freshmen. Participants who successfully completed the program earned college credits for POLS 120: Introduction to World Politics.

Diplomacy, intelligence, strategy

Students spent the first two weeks learning virtually about international diplomacy, history and modern intelligence agencies. During the final week, they lived on the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 campus, participated in strategy simulations, visited historic sites and met with intelligence leaders.

“The 2026 AHI-SP class was an exceptional group,” said Jairus Grove, program director and political science professor. “They worked together to understand the complexities of world politics and began the journey to making a better future.”

The statewide cohort included students from Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, with 68% attending public schools.

“AHI has helped me understand and get a glimpse into how government thinks, acts and reacts,” said Zoe Sokei-Ganir, a freshman from Kapaʻa High School on Kauaʻi. “I鈥檝e been influenced into considering new and unique career goals.”

Student expenses, including tuition, fees, learning materials and travel and housing costs for neighbor island participants, were fully funded by the (P3I).

For more information visit the .

The has earned a spot among the world鈥檚 leading research universities, ranking in the No. 95–111 tier in the U.S. and No. 401–500 tier worldwide in the 2026 (ARWU) released August 15 by ShanghaiRanking Consultancy.

ARWU evaluates universities based on six research and academic performance indicators. The 2026 ranking considers factors including alumni and faculty who have won Nobel Prizes or Fields Medals, highly cited researchers, research published in Nature and Science, papers indexed in major citation databases, and an institution鈥檚 academic performance. Each indicator is weighted to produce an overall score, with research output and faculty quality among the most heavily weighted measures.

Top 2% worldwide

ShanghaiRanking considers more than 2,500 universities for the ranking and publishes the top 1,000, out of . 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 placement among the top 2% in the world is consistent with the university鈥檚 showing among other higher education rankings entities.

鈥�糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 recognition in the Academic Ranking of World Universities reflects the strength and impact of the research taking place across our campus,鈥� said 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos. 鈥淭his ranking places significant weight on research excellence and world expertise of our faculty. It is gratifying to see their work recognized. Their contributions advance knowledge, address challenges facing Hawaiʻi and the world, and create valuable opportunities for our students.鈥�

Recent rankings

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 also received these notable rankings:

2027 The Princeton Review 鈥淭he Best 392 Colleges鈥� guide, August 19, 2026

2026鈥�27 Global University Visibility Rankings, July 23, 2026

2027 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, June 17, 2026

2026鈥�27 U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities rankings, June 16, 2026

2026 U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 8, 2026

2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026

2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026

2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

For more information, visit the .

The is one of the nation鈥檚 best colleges and universities, according to The Princeton Review鈥檚 2027 edition of “” guide, released on August 18.

The rankings are based solely on its surveys of college students about their schools. The schools included in the “The Best 392 Colleges” of 2027 are not ranked from No. 1–No. 392, and feature the top 14% of approximately 2,800 four-year colleges in the U.S.

In addition, The Princeton Review placed 糖心视频 Mānoa as one of the top 79 colleges in the west.

“This recognition is a reflection of what our students experience every day at 糖心视频 Mānoa,” said 糖心视频 Mānoa Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos. “From the classroom to campus life, their feedback shows the value they see in their education, their professors and the opportunities available to them. We鈥檙e proud that their voices are helping tell the story of what makes 糖心视频 Mānoa a special place to learn and grow.”

In October 2025, The Princeton Review also named , which recognizes the most environmentally responsible schools.

More about ‘The Best 392 Colleges’

The Princeton Review surveyed 172,000 students at the schools included in “The Best 392 Colleges.” The 98-question survey asked students about their professors, administrators, financial aid, campus amenities, school services and other aspects of their college experience. Students responded using five answer choices, with scales ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree” and “excellent” to “poor.”

“The colleges we profile in ‘The Best 392 Colleges’ vary by type, size, locale and campus culture. In our opinion, each one offers an academically outstanding undergraduate education,” said Rob Franek, lead author of the book and editor-in-chief at The Princeton Review. “They are truly a select group: they comprise only about 14% of America’s nearly 2,800 four-year colleges. For 35 years, our goal for this project has been to create multiple ranking lists and resources to help college applicants answer what is likely the toughest but also the most important question in their journey to college: ‘Which college is best for me?’”

‘The Best Colleges in America’

糖心视频 Mānoa and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu were also recognized in , which evaluated more than 700 four-year colleges nationwide. The rankings are designed to help students and families compare colleges based on the value they provide, with an emphasis on affordability and post-graduation outcomes. Money evaluated schools using 25 factors across three categories: quality of education, affordability and outcomes. Measures included graduation rates, net price, student debt, earnings, employment and economic mobility.

Recent rankings

糖心视频 Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026–27 Global University Visibility Rankings, July 23, 2026
• 2027 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, June 17, 2026
• 2026–27 U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities rankings, June 16, 2026
• 2026 U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 8, 2026
• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

Twelve students have joined the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 ‘s (JABSOM) ʻImi 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 Program, a 53-year initiative to prepare future physicians and strengthen Hawaiʻi‘s healthcare workforce.

The year-long post-baccalaureate program provides academic preparation and support for students pursuing medical careers, with an emphasis on serving Hawaiʻi communities.

The new class includes Swasthita Sadagopan, Dannia Andrade, Camarin Camacho, Johnathan Cornell, Lawrence Gerald Guittap, Kody Kobayashi, Tiffany-Ryan Kusano, Alexia Maki, Nathan Paz, Alessandra Clariss Ramirez, Gabriela Siaosi and Moeko Teter.

Sadagopan, a Mililani native and 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 biology graduate, said mentors helped her overcome doubts about pursuing medicine. She conducted research with JABSOM’s Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and was encouraged to apply to ʻImi 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 by physician and program graduate January May Andaya, and professor Ben Fogelgren.

“I’m very thankful for them,” said Sadagopan. “For them to tell me that I’m capable of doing it was really reassuring.”

‘Many hands willing to hold you up’

The class recently met ʻImi 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 alumni and current medical students during the program’s annual Open House, which gave students an opportunity to learn about the demands of medical school and the support network that comes with the program.

Kobayashi, who hopes to return to Kauaʻi as a physician, said that support is an important part of the ʻImi experience.

“There are many hands here that are willing to hold you up when you need some help,” he said. “We’re always going to have someone who’s there for us.”

Ramirez, who grew up in Waipahu and attended Chapman University in California, said ʻImi 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 is also helping her achieve her goal of returning home to practice medicine.

“It’s always been my goal and my dream to come back to Hawaiʻi after completing my higher education in California or in the mainland,” Ramirez said. “So I’m really happy that ʻImi 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 was my opportunity to come home.”

Since 1973, 327 ʻImi 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 participants have graduated from JABSOM, with many going on to become physicians and leaders in Hawaiʻi.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 student journalists earned top honors for reporting on some of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most pressing issues at the 2025 Society of Professional Journalists Hawaiʻi Chapter Excellence in Journalism Awards.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 students received all 24 awards across eight student categories, with work examining federal research funding, Native Hawaiian programs, agriculture, immigration, local sports and other community issues. The awards were presented July 29 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi.

“From in-depth coverage of the federal research funding environment to striking photos of shark diving expeditions, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 journalism students continue to document the life and communities of Honolulu,” said Journalism Program Director John Temple. “Journalism at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 has never been more vital.”

First-place winners

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 students earned first place in all eight student categories:

• Alani Calderon, Student Investigative Journalism in Any Media
• Laurel Galvin, Student Breaking News in Any Media
• Malia Manuel, Student Feature Journalism in Any Media
• Yuzu Martin, Student Sports Journalism in Any Media
• Jordan Kala鈥榳aia Nunies, Student Journalism Featuring Video
• Gabriela Cervantes, Student Journalism Featuring Photography
• Emma Caires, Student Journalism Featuring Audio
• Tia Lewis, Student Editorial/Opinion Writing

Students also earned every second- and third-place award. The winners included students taking journalism courses in the School of Communication and Information in the College of Social Sciences, along with students reporting and creating for Ka Leo O Hawaiʻi, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 student newspaper.

The range of recognized work reflects the breadth of storytelling produced by 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 students across written, audio and visual journalism.

糖心视频 the for the complete list of winners and their award-winning work.

To support community-engaged design, outdoor recreation and conservation initiatives across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa was awarded a $439,576 grant by the National Park Service (NPS).

The grant spans the next three academic years. The funding will directly support Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) graduate students as they conduct collaborative design research focused on public parks, trail systems and conservation projects.

Up to two graduate assistants per year, mentored by faculty members, will provide technical assistance to state, municipal, non-profit and community groups requesting design support. This initiative addresses both past and future technical assistance requests to the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program.

Real-world impact for students and communities

The project offers MLA students a unique hands-on opportunity to work directly with public and non-profit partners to develop natural, cultural and historical resource design projects outside the classroom, all while receiving financial support for their education.

Judith Stilgenbauer, professor of landscape architecture, serves as the principal investigator for the initiative. Stilgenbauer was instrumental in bringing the grant to the School of Architecture, leveraging 糖心视频‘s existing 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥扬补肠颈蹿颈肠 Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit master agreement.

“In my view, it goes to show how incredibly relevant landscape architecture is as an academic discipline and profession when it comes to providing design services that increase community and environmental resilience,” said Stilgenbauer.

She noted that during her 14 years at 糖心视频, small specialized degree programs in the School of Architecture have rarely secured federal funding of this magnitude dedicated primarily to graduate student support.

Work under the new grant will be carried out in close collaboration with NPS partners. Initial project selections and student hiring will begin in the coming months.

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its (VEMBA), marking a quarter century of preparing business leaders and strengthening economic and educational ties between Hawaiʻi and Vietnam.

To mark the milestone, hundreds of alumni representing all 33 VEMBA cohorts joined faculty, university leaders and distinguished guests at anniversary celebrations in Vietnam. Held in both Hanoi, where the program welcomed its first cohort, and Ho Chi Minh City, where it later expanded to meet growing demand, the events honored a quarter century of academic excellence, international partnership and leadership development.

Since its founding in 2001, VEMBA has graduated more than 1,000 business leaders who now serve in executive roles across Vietnam and beyond.

“The VEMBA program is the only program of its kind and has established itself as a leader in executive education in Vietnam,” said Shidler College of Business Dean Vance Roley. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also look toward the future by expanding our impact throughout Southeast Asia while continuing to strengthen the global network that has become one of VEMBA‘s greatest strengths.”

Bold vision to a nationwide network

VEMBA traces its roots to a 1997 United States Agency for International Development-funded initiative that brought Shidler faculty to Vietnam to help train business educators as the country transitioned to a market economy. That effort inspired the creation of Vietnam鈥檚 first Executive MBA program offered by an American university. The inaugural cohort welcomed 29 executives in Hanoi in 2001, followed by the program鈥檚 expansion to Ho Chi Minh City in 2007. In 2024, VEMBA evolved into one nationwide cohort, further strengthening connections among executives across the country.

Today, more than 1,000 graduates from 33 cohorts representing 21 countries comprise one of Vietnam鈥檚 most influential executive leadership networks. Alumni serve as CEOs, founders and senior executives across major industries.

Tung Bui, professor of information technology management, Matson Navigation Company Chair of Global Business and longtime faculty director of VEMBA, noted that the program has grown alongside Vietnam鈥檚 own economic transformation.

“Twenty-five years ago, the primary concern of VEMBA students was how to optimize operations, improve accounting systems and refine internal human resource management,” Bui said. “Today, our executives are thinking much bigger and looking outward. The most vibrant classroom discussions now revolve around artificial intelligence, global branding, exports and navigating international supply chains.”

For the entire story and information on how to support the Shidler College of Business, .

Recap video of the event in Ho Chi Minh City

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补’s (RoSE) is celebrating one of the most successful years in the student engineering organization’s history after earning international recognition, competing on the world stage and expanding its portfolio of aerospace projects.

Over the past spring and summer, the student-led team represented 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 at several 2026 events:

• University Rover Challenge World Finals (27th out of 116 teams) International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Foundation Excellence in Systems Engineering Award (finalist)
• Project PETAL at NASA’s Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts鈥揂cademic Linkage (RASC-AL) Forum

“Our team has grown tremendously in size, number of projects and student ambition throughout the past year,” said Micah Tajiri, project manager for the University Rover Challenge team. “We’re proud to represent 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and excited to keep building on this momentum.”

Competing among the world’s best

From May 27 to 30, Team RoSE competed at the University Rover Challenge World Finals at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah.

The team’s rover featured a robotic arm, autonomous navigation system, science payload and communications platform designed and built by students.

The rover team’s work also earned recognition beyond the competition. Team RoSE was named one of just 13 finalists from more than 100 teams worldwide for the inaugural INCOSE Foundation Excellence in Systems Engineering Award, recognizing its systems engineering approach and performance during the competition.

Building Beyond the Rover

Team RoSE‘s success extended beyond the rover program.

Project PETAL was selected as one of 14 finalists from more than 150 applicants nationwide for NASA‘s RASC-AL Forum, where students presented a scalable lunar power management and distribution system to NASA engineers and industry professionals.

Project PETAL became the first multi-campus student-led engineering project involving students from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and 糖心视频 Hilo, while the organization established new business and marketing training opportunities for students.

Team RoSE also completed the latest iteration of the 糖心视频 Advanced Balloon Satellite, which now features autonomous recovery capabilities, and launched CapM74, a new student project focused on developing a low-cost astrophotography telescope in partnership with the Institute for Astronomy.

Team RoSE is one of more than 20 (VIP) housed in the . VIPs connect undergraduate students with faculty-led research teams, giving students hands-on experience through long-term, project-based work alongside graduate researchers and faculty mentors.

The team’s work is supported by the College of Engineering and the , whose support helps provide students with opportunities to design, build and compete on national and international stages.